“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.”

– The Lion King

Week 9: Another running email...

These past few weeks have provided a great opportunity to interact with runners here in Cayman. Whether it be at one of the many local races going on this time of year, at the Wednesday Night Running Club or through a chance meeting while out and about. Late last week I received yet another email from a person I’ve recently met and encouraged to run/walk this year’s Intertrust Cayman Marathon. Their email read as follows:

Now I’m not sure how much wisdom I was able to provide but the first portion of my response advised the emailer to take a deep breath and then to step back and take a moment to commend themselves for a) getting off the couch and exercising and b) for getting off the treadmill and hitting the road. The health benefits achieved from exercising and the confidence gained from facing a fear are both positive actions and need to be recognized as such. However, my friend couldn’t see the trees for the forest. They truly believed they had bitten off more than they could chew and were under the impression they couldn’t possibly complete a half marathon 8 weeks from now and had accomplished naught to date. This is a perfect example of the fear we all experience as we venture outside our comfort zone in pursuit of a lofty goal. I get the fear at least once a week as I prepare for November 26th. Uncertainty can be nerve racking. Just ask anyone crazy enough to invest in the current stock markets. However, we need to keep in mind that dwelling outside our comfort zone is where we grow as a person and as a runner/walker/athlete. We also need to remember you don’t have to run 13 miles this week or the next. We still have time to build. It is very likely that the first time you’ll ever complete 13.1 miles is on December 4th. Don’t believe me? Check what Hal Higdon has to say on the subject.

Pros and Cons of Treadmills
There is plenty of debate on the use of Treadmills as a training partner and when you are an Ultra distance runner who resides in the Caribbean they are a necessary alternative to outdoor running. I usually run on one at least once a week. Some of the pros to using a treadmill are you can workout while watching TV. I’ve consecutively watched the better part of the first three Indiana Jones movies while running on one. The smooth cushioned surface of the treadmill is easier on the joints than pavement and running/walking indoors can shelter you from extreme heat or torrential downpours.

However, most runners/walkers enjoy the freedom of running outdoors not to mention the eye candy of changing scenery and fresh air in the lungs. It is generally more challenging to run outdoors than to run on a treadmill which is a positive for those concerned with burning calories. Finally outdoor running can take you on almost infinite routes and allow you see something new with every run.

One of the big differences between the two activities is pace setting, as my new friend experienced. On a treadmill pacing is very easy. You push a button and move your legs accordingly. However, when you run outside you don't have the luxury of a pace setter. You will need to rely on your instincts, a watch or an experienced runner in order to achieve consistency. That’s why it’s such a pleasure to train with experienced runners who can set a consistent pace mile after mile. For you beginner runners I would recommend you try the Wednesday night running club. It was established to encourage beginning runners to get off the treadmill and onto the roads. For the past few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of training with the beginning runners/walkers as a pace setter and my motto is no runner/walker gets left behind. We hope to see you next Wednesday.

Until next week don’t stop running!

Each week A Crazy Idea will provide a suggested schedule of activity for those individuals who are looking to get a little bit crazy and dwell outside their comfort zone as they prepare for and complete their first Half Marathon (13.1 miles).

Before we go any further we would first like to advise everyone following our program to consult your physicians before starting the fitness routine. Your health is of the utmost importance and not to be neglected. Regular exercise can help control blood glucose levels and body weight. It can reduce the risk of heart disease as well as strengthen bones and muscles and even though moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, is safe for most people, health experts suggest that you talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.

Here at A Crazy Idea we truly believe the importance of a balanced and healthy diet as well as regular exercise. Below we have created simple exercise regimes you can follow, either to get you up and active, or running schedules you can follow to get you fit in order to partake at any level in the Intertrust Cayman Islands Marathon on December 3, 2011.

Our exercise schedules come in three forms: Beginner walker, Beginner runner and Novice runner and will be updated each week.

Week 9: October 12 to October 18, 2011